Physical Therapy

The Physical Therapy team at Wisconsin Bone & Joint offer a wide range of programs and specialized services to help our patients restore and maintain their physical strength, performance skills, and levels of function. Our well-trained, professional staff utilize the most progressive treatment options and techniques to ensure the best possible recoveries.

De Quervain’s Tendinitis

Your hands and fingers are essential tools that allow you to work, play and perform everyday activities. How well the hand and wrist interact depends on the integrity and function of the ligaments, tendons, muscles, joints and bones.

Problems in any of these can affect upper extremity function, causing disruptions at home and work and negatively impacting quality of life.

The human hand itself is very complex and delicate in structure.

At some time in life, you may experience hand or finger pain.

De Quervain’s tendinosis occurs when the tendons around the base of the thumb are irritated or constricted.

The word “tendinosis” refers to a swelling of the tendons. Swelling of the tendons, and the tendon sheath, can cause pain and tenderness along the thumb side of the wrist. This is particularly noticeable when forming a fist, grasping or gripping something, or when turning the wrist.

Cause

De Quervain’s tendinosis may be caused by overuse. It also is associated with pregnancy and rheumatoid disease. It is most common in middle-aged women.

Symptoms

Signs of De Quervain’s tendinosis:

Pain may be felt over the thumb side of the wrist. This is the main symptom. The pain may appear either gradually or suddenly. Pain is felt in the wrist and can travel up the forearm. The pain is usually worse when the hand and thumb are in use. This is especially true when forcefully grasping objects or twisting the wrist.

Swelling may be seen over the thumb side of the wrist. This swelling may accompany a fluid-filled cyst in this region.

A “catching” or “snapping” sensation may be felt when moving the thumb.

Pain and swelling may make it difficult to move the thumb and wrist.

Diagnosis

To determine whether or not you have De Quervain’s tendinosis, your Wisconsin Bone & Joint physician may ask you to perform the Finkelstein test by placing your thumb against your hand, making a fist with your fingers closed over your thumb, and then bending your wrist toward your little finger.

If you have De Quervain’s tendinosis, this test is quite painful, causing tendon pain on the thumb side of the wrist.

Treatment

The goal in treating de Quervain’s tendinosis is to relieve the pain caused by irritation and swelling.

Nonsurgical Treatment

Splints. Splints may be used to rest the thumb and wrist.

Anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs). These medications can be taken by mouth or injected into a tendon compartment. This may help reduce swelling and relieve pain.

Avoiding activities that cause pain and swelling. This may allow the symptoms to go away on their own.

Corticosteroids. Injection of corticosteroids into the tendon sheath may help reduce swelling and pain.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery may be recommended if symptoms are severe or do not improve. The goal of surgery is to open the thumb compartment (covering) to make more room for the irritated tendons.
Surgery opens the sheath over the inflamed tendons.

Regardless of the treatment, normal use of the hand usually can be resumed once comfort and strength have returned. Your orthopaedic surgeon can advise you on the best treatment for your situation.